The JD Power India Initial Quality Study 2009, which rates vehicles based on the problems customers have with them in the first 2-6 months of ownership, ranks the Chevrolet Spark highest in the compact car segment. The Maruti Ritz tops the premium compact car segment, while the Ford Ikon is number one in the entry midsize segment.

The Honda City and the Honda Civic rank the highest in the midsize and premium midsize segments respectively. Toyota Innova tops the MPV segment.

The study looks at 200 problem symptoms under eight categories. These are engine and transmission; vehicle exterior; driving experience; HVAC; features, controls and displays; vehicle interior; seats; and audio, entertainment and navigation. Since the 2008 study, the average number of vehicle problems in India has come down by 32 problems per 100 vehicles.

Mr Mohit Arora, senior director at J.D. Power Asia Pacific, said that high initial quality in vehicles is becoming increasing important with the current market climate becoming more competitive. Excessive fuel consumption, which is the biggest area of complaint, is also the most rapidly improving area.

Courtesy: www.driveinside.com